Portable air pump apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A portable air pump apparatus and method that includes an elongated elongated cylinder portion having a first air channel for transporting compressed air, and an air discharge portion having a connection head, a finger or thumb grip portion, a rotatable thumb-lock lever, and a second air channel extending vertically therethrough the air discharge portion and engagable with an inflation valve of an inflatable object. The second air channel is in communication with the first air channel of the elongated cylinder portion. The rotatable thumb-lock may be rotated within a predetermined range of movement defined substantially by a non-engaged position and an engaged position. The portable air pump is configured such that a user may grasp the air discharge portion with a single hand using the finger or thumb grip portion to place the connection head over an inflation valve of the inflatable object and to use one or more fingers to move the rotatable thumb-lock lever from the non-engaged position to the engaged position, thereby enabling air to flow into the inflatable object from the air pump apparatus without significant air loss.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is generally related to air pumps, and more particularly to a portable air pump apparatus and method.

2. Discussion of the Background

A conventional one-stroke air pump typically includes a connection head having an air valve connection stem, a piston inside a cylinder, one or more handles, and a thumb-lock lever. In operation, the connection head is placed on top of a connection valve of a tire or other inflatable object. The connection head is then pushed down, which causes significant air loss at the time the connection head engages the valve stem until such time that a thumb-lock lever is placed in an engaged position at which time this causes an air valve connection stem to be depressed into the connection valve and an airtight connection between the connection head and the connection valve to be formed. As the cylinder is pushed and pulled using the one or more handles, the piston is caused to compress air in the cylinder. The compressed air travels from the cylinder through the connection head and into the connection valve to thereby inflate the tire or other inflatable object. Such prior art air pumps are defective in design in that they require two hands to place the thumb-lock lever into an engaged position. Thus, there currently exist deficiencies associated with air pumps, and, in particular, with a portable air pump apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a portable air pump apparatus that includes an elongated cylinder portion having a first air channel for transporting compressed air, and an air discharge portion having a connection head, a finger or thumb grip portion, a rotatable thumb-lock lever, and a second air channel extending vertically therethrough the air discharge portion and engagable with an inflation valve of an inflatable object. The second air channel is in communication with the first air channel of the elongated cylinder portion. The rotatable thumb-lock may be rotated within a predetermined range of movement defined substantially by a non-engaged position and an engaged position. The portable air pump is configured such that a user may grasp the air discharge portion with a single hand using the finger or thumb grip portion to place the connection head over an inflation valve of the inflatable object and to use one or more fingers to move the rotatable thumb-lock lever from the non-engaged position to the engaged position, thereby enabling air to flow into the inflatable object from the air pump apparatus without significant air loss.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a portable air pump apparatus that includes a hose having a first air channel for transporting compressed air from an external pump, and an air discharge portion having a connection head, a finger or thumb grip portion, a rotatable thumb-lock lever, and a second air channel extending vertically therethrough the air discharge portion and engagable with an inflation valve of an inflatable object. The second air channel is in communication with the first air channel of the elongated cylinder portion. The rotatable thumb-lock may be rotated within a predetermined range of movement defined substantially by a non-engaged position and an engaged position. The portable air pump is configured such that a user may grasp the air discharge portion with a single hand using the finger or thumb grip portion to place the connection head over an inflation valve of the inflatable object and to use one or more fingers to move the rotatable thumb-lock lever from the non-engaged position to the engaged position, thereby enabling air to flow into the inflatable object from the air pump apparatus without significant air loss.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for operably connecting a portable air pump apparatus to an inflation valve of an inflatable object. The portable air pump apparatus includes an elongated cylinder portion having a first air channel for transporting compressed air, and an air discharge portion having a connection head, a finger or thumb grip portion, a rotatable thumb-lock lever, and a second air channel extending vertically therethrough the air discharge portion and engagable with an inflation valve of the inflatable object. The second air channel is in communication with the first air channel of the elongated cylinder portion. The rotatable thumb-lock may be rotated within a predetermined range of movement defined substantially by a non-engaged position and an engaged position. The method includes grasping the portable air pump apparatus, (ii) placing the connection head over an inflation valve of the inflatable object using a single hand, and (iii) moving the rotatable thumb-lock lever using one or more fingers from the non-engaged position to the engaged position using a single hand, thereby enabling air to flow into the inflatable object from the air pump apparatus without significant air loss. The user grasps the portable air pump apparatus at the air discharge portion with a single hand using the finger or thumb grip portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A shows a side view of an improved portable air pump in a non-engaged position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B shows a side view of the improved portable air pump shown in FIG. 1A in an engaged position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a cut-away side view of the improved portable air pump shown in FIG. 1A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a sectional exploded side view of the improved portable air pump shown in FIG. 1A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the improved portable air pump shown in FIG. 1A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a sectional top view of the improved portable air pump shown in FIG. 1A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of a thumb-lock lever of the improved portable air pump shown in FIG. 1A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a side view of an air valve connection device of the improved portable air pump shown in FIG. 1A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged exploded side view of the air valve connection device shown in FIG. 6 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows an enlarged exploded top view of the air valve connection device shown in FIG. 8 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows an enlarged exploded side view of an air valve connection device in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 11A-11D show side views of thumb-lock levers in accordance with alternate embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of an thumb-lock lever in accordance with alternate embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows a sectional side view of an improved portable air pump in a non-engaged position illustrating an improved handle portion in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 shows a sectional side view of an improved portable air pump in a non-engaged position illustrating an alternate finger or thumb grip portion in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 shows a sectional side view of an improved portable air pump in a non-engaged position illustrating a hose arrangement in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16A shows a side view of an improved portable air pump in a non-engaged position illustrating a rotatable end portion in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16B shows a side view of the improved portable air pump shown in FIG. 16A in an engaged position illustrating a rotatable end portion in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17A shows a sectional side view of an improved portable air pump in a non-engaged position in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17B shows a sectional side view of the improved portable air pump shown in FIG. 14A in an engaged position in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 shows a sectional side view of the improved portable air pump shown in FIG. 14A in an engaged position illustrating internal chambers of the connection head in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the improved portable air pump shown in FIG. 14A illustrating a connection to a manual hand pump in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described.

Referring to FIGS. 1-9, an improved portable air pump 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The portable air pump 10 includes an air discharge portion 12, and an elongated cylinder portion 16 having handle portions (14 and 18, respectively) at opposing ends of the cylinder portion 116. The air discharge portion 12 and the elongated cylinder portion 16 are connected in a substantially airtight manner.

The air discharge portion 12 includes a finger or thumb grip portion 26, a thumb-lock lever 30, and a connection head 90. According to one embodiment, the finger or thumb grip portion 26 is ergonomically configured with an arch to conform to the natural position of the fingers while gripping the portable air pump 10. The connection head 90 is provided with a fitting hole at the bottom thereof that is adapted to receive an inflation valve of an external tire or other article requiring inflation (not shown). The air discharge portion 12 includes a horizontal air duct 21 at one side in communication with an air chamber 25 running vertically therethrough the air discharge portion 12. An air valve connection device 40 is movably seated within the air chamber 25. The thumb-lock lever 30 comprises a rigid, elongated lever positioned in a top portion of the air chamber 25 in which one end of the lever is pivotally connected by a pivot pin 28 at a top portion of the air discharge portion 12.

The elongated cylinder portion 16 is an elongated, cylindrical tube having a relatively thin wall and an interior air channel 23. The interior air channel 23 communicates air which is compressed by an internal piston from the elongated cylinder portion 16 through air duct 21 and air chamber 25 to an air valve connection device 40 contained within air chamber 25. The air valve connection device 40 is connected with an inflation valve of an external tire or other article requiring inflation. Thereby, the air valve connection device 40 communicates the compressed air into the external tire or other article requiring inflation. The elongated cylinder portion 16 also includes a piston and a piston rod. An additional compression ring may be added to the shaft to increase compression. Any piston and piston rod assembly may be utilized within the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 8-9, enlarged exploded views of the air valve connection device 40 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, are shown. The air valve connection device 40 includes one or more adapters (50, 70 and 80) configured to communicate the compressed air into the inflation valve of an external tire or other article by means of several openings and air ducts (53, 71, 73, 81 and 83). Other types of air valve connection devices known in the prior art are possible within the scope of the present invention. For instance, without limitation, an alternate air valve connection device 40 a is shown in FIG. 10.

When not in operational use, the thumb-lock lever 30 is positioned in a non-engaged position, as shown in FIG. 1A, in which the elongated portion of the thumb-lock lever 30 is substantially horizontal (parallel to the length of the elongated cylinder portion 16). The thumb-lock lever 30 is configured to rotate from its non-engaged position, as shown in FIG. 1A, to an operational engaged position, as shown in FIG. 1B, by rotating the thumb-lock lever 30 upward to a position that is substantially vertical (perpendicular to the length of the elongated cylinder portion 16). The thumb-lock lever 30 is positioned above and in contact with the air valve connection device 40 such that when the thumb-lock lever 30 is rotated from the non-engaged position to the engaged position, the bottom portion of the thumb-lock lever 30 is in a lower position in the air chamber relative to its position in a non-engaged position. Thereby, the air valve connection device 40 is operably moved downward. In moving downward, the bottom portion of the air valve connection device 40 operably engages an inflation valve of an external tire or other article requiring inflation. Such engagement includes forcing a gasket on the air valve connection device 40 to compress against a lower portion of the air discharge portion 12, thereby creating at least a substantially airtight seal with the inflation valve of an external tire or other article, and enabling the compressed air to flow from the portable air pump 10 to the tire or other article requiring inflation via, the inflation valve. Since a user can grasp the portable air pump 10 at the same time the user rotates the thumb-lock lever 30, the valve connection stem engages the connection valve stem immediately or substantially immediately, air loss is minimized during the transition from a non-operational use to an operational use, or said another way, until a substantially airtight seal is established.

The portable air pump 10 is then exerted upon by an external force. The compressed air is caused to enter passageway 23 and inject the compressed air into the external tire or other article requiring inflation via air duct 21 and air chamber 25 and air valve connection device 40.

The external tire or other article requiring inflation may be, without limitation, a bicycle tire or other tire, a floatation device, or the like.

In operation, a user places the connection head 90 of the air discharge portion 12 over an inflation valve of an external tire or other article requiring inflation. The user would then grasp the air discharge portion 12 using the finger or thumb grip portion 26 bile using one or more fingers to move the thumb-lock lever 30 from a non-engaged position, as shown in FIG. 1A, to an engaged position, as shown in FIG. 1B, causing the air valve connection device 40 to make contact with the inflation valve of an external tire or other article requiring inflation and thereby enabling air to flow into such tire or other article.

The present invention is an improvement over the prior art by allowing a user to use a single hand to grasp the air discharge portion 12 using the finger or thumb grip portion 26 while using one or more lingers to move the thumb-lock lever 30 from a non-engaged position. Air pumps known in the prior art require two hands to place the thumb-lock lever 30 into an engaged position which is cumbersome.

The thumb-lock lever 30 is not limited to the shape shown in may be many different shapes within the scope of the present invention. For instance, without limitation, FIGS. 11A-11D and FIG. 12, show several possible shapes of the thumb-lock levers in accordance with alternate embodiments of the present invention. According to these non-limiting alternative embodiments, the thumb-lock lever may include a lever with a curved portion 35, as shown in FIG. 11B, a lever with a ribbed grip portion 37, as shown in FIG. 11C, a curved portion 39, as shown in FIG. 11D, or an extended side portion 41, as shown in FIG. 12. Combinations of these configurations are also possible.

According to another alternate embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11A, the thumb-lock lever 30 a may also include an extended portion 33 which is configured in conjunction with the air valve connection device 40 to provide greater vertical movement (perpendicular to the length of the elongated cylinder portion 16) of the air valve connection device 40 within the air chamber 25. According to this alternate arrangement, the vertical height of the air valve connection device 40 is decreased generally proportionally to the increase in length of the extended portion 33 of the thumb-lock lever 30 a. Using such an arrangement, the connection head 90 may be placed over the inflation valve of an external tire or other article without initially contacting the inflation valve when the thumb-lock lever 30 a is in the non-engaged position. The air valve connection device 40 contacts the inflation valve only when the thumb-lock lever 30 a is in the engaged position. Such an arrangement reduces the amount of air discharged by the external tire or other article requiring inflation when the connection head 90 is initially placed over the inflation valve of an external tire or other article.

According to an alternate embodiment, the portable air pump 10 may include a rotatable end portion to minimize hand slippage during pumping. Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, side views of an improved portable air pump illustrating a rotatable end portion in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. According to this embodiment, end portion members 120 and 122 are rotatably configured such that end portion member 122 may be rotated to create an overhang as shown in FIG. 16B which may be used by a user to reduce slippage during pumping.

Referring to FIG. 4, the thumb-lock lever 30 is rotatably mounted on the rear portion of the discharge portion 12. Alternatively, the thumb-lock lever 30 may be rotatably mounted on other portions of the air discharge portion. For instance, the thumb-lock lever 30 may be rotatably mounted on either side of the air discharge portion 12, for ease of engagement in close encountered areas.

According to another alternate embodiment, thumb-lock lever 30 may be mounted on either side of the air discharge portion 12.

According to other alternate embodiments, the portable air pump may include, without limitation, a handle portion 14 a and 18 having a ribbed or webbed surface, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 16A, respectfully, or an alternate finger or thumb grip portion 26 a, as shown in FIG. 14. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 17-19, the portable air pump may also be an air discharge portion (12 and 100) that is separate from the pumping mechanism, such as, without limitation, the manual hand pump 120, shown in FIG. 19, According to these arrangements, the portable air pump includes a hose or other air conveying mechanism (92 and 104) that interconnects the air discharge portion (12 and 100) to the pumping mechanism, which may be any manual hand pump or motorized pump known in the prior art.

While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as Filling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Obviously, many other modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative, and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention in any manner. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the disclosed concept, the invention may be practiced otherwise then as specifically described. 

1. A portable air pump apparatus, comprising: an elongated cylinder portion having a first air channel for transporting compressed air; and an air discharge portion having a connection head, a finger or thumb grip portion, a rotatable thumb-lock lever, and a second air channel extending vertically therethrough the air discharge portion and engagable with an inflation valve of an inflatable object, the second air channel in communication with the first air channel of the elongated cylinder portion, wherein the rotatable thumb-lock may be rotated within a predetermined range of movement defined substantially by a non-engaged position and an engaged position, and wherein the portable air pump is configured such that a user may grasp the air discharge portion with a single hand using the ergonomic finger or thumb grip portion to place the connection head over an inflation valve of the inflatable object and to use one or more fingers to move the rotatable thumb-lock lever from the non-engaged position to the engaged position, thereby enabling air to flow into the inflatable object from the air pump apparatus without significant air loss.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inflatable object comprises a tire.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inflatable object comprises a floatation device.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the finger or thumb grip portion comprises a winged finger or thumb grip portion.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rotatable thumb-lock lever extends outward from the air discharge portion horizontally in the non-engaged position.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rotatable thumb-lock lever extends outward from the air discharge portion vertically in the non-engaged position.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rotatable thumb-lock lever includes at least one selected from group one consisting of a curved portion, a ribbed grip portion, and an extended side portion.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable air pump comprises a bicycle air pump.
 9. A portable air pump apparatus, comprising: a hose having a first air channel for transporting compressed air from an external pump; and an air discharge portion having a connection head, a finger or thumb grip portion, a rotatable thumb-lock lever, and a second air channel engagable with an inflation valve of an inflatable object, the second air channel being in communication with the first air channel of the elongated cylinder portion, wherein the rotatable thumb-tock may be rotated within a predetermined range of movement defined substantially by a non-engaged position and an engaged position, and wherein the portable air pump is configured such that a user may grasp the air discharge portion with a single hand using the finger or thumb grip portion to place the connection head over an inflation valve of the inflatable object and to use one or more fingers to move the rotatable thumb-lock lever from the non-engaged position to the engaged position, thereby enabling air to flow into the inflatable object from the air pump apparatus without significant air loss.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the inflatable object comprises a tire.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the inflatable object comprises a floatation device.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the rotatable thumb-lock lever extends outward from the air discharge portion horizontally in the non-engaged position.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the rotatable thumb-lock lever extends outward from the air discharge portion vertically in the non-engaged position
 14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the portable air pump comprises a bicycle air pump.
 15. A method for operably connecting a portable air pump apparatus to an inflation valve of an inflatable object, the method comprising: grasping, by a user, a portable air pump apparatus, wherein the portable air pump apparatus comprises an elongated cylinder portion having a first air channel for transporting compressed air, and an air discharge portion having a connection head, a finger or thumb grip portion, a rotatable thumb-lock lever, and a second air channel extending vertically therethrough the air discharge portion and engagable with an inflation valve of an inflatable object, the second air channel being in communication with the first air channel of the elongated cylinder portion, wherein the rotatable thumb-lock may be rotated within a predetermined range of movement defined substantially by a non-engaged position and an engaged position, and wherein a user grasps the portable air pump apparatus at the air discharge portion with a single hand using the finger or thumb grip portion; placing, by a user, the connection head over an inflation valve of the inflatable object using a single hand; and moving, by a user, the rotatable thumb-lock lever, using one or more fingers, from the non-engaged position to the engaged position using a single hand, thereby enabling air to flow into the inflatable object from the air pump apparatus without significant air loss.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the inflatable object comprises a tire.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the inflatable object comprises a floatation device. 